I am planning a trip To NYC in Feb and would like to book some plays now (already have Mamma Mia and Lion King). I have not heard much about these - 45 Seconds From Broadway, By Jeeves, Hedda Gabler, and then off Broadway, Love, Janis. Can anyone who has seen these tell me what you thought? I like a variety so am not looking for any particular type of play. Also, one that has been around - 42nd Street? Thanks .

Hedda Gabler is a limited run and will not be playing in February. By Jeeves probably won't either, as its reviews were just fair at best. Though I haven't see Love Janis, I've heard good things from those who have.

Saw 42nd Street in July and it was fabulous. A great musical.

Saw 42nd St. twice and loved it. Exactly what a Broadway musical should be. Love Janis is a concert, and a terrific one at that. The actresses who play Janis look and sound just like her. I have recommended this show to all of my friends. 45 Seconds from Broadway, I could not recommend. Sadly, this is not one of Neil Simon's best works. He took a Jackie Mason type character and dumped him in into the middle of a struggling story. Doesn't work. Too many story lines and characters competing for your affection. Dialogue is a string of one-liners that are so old you don't even need them to finish the sentence. Yawn.

I'd love to see the current production of Hedda Gabler, but as mentioned it is a limited run and will be gone before Feb. They've been trying to do By Jeeves for years in London and it is just plain "no good" and I too suspect it will close soon. Love, Janis has gotten good press and I saw a bit of it on TV in New York, but it's not my cup of tea -- more Janis Joplin impersonation revue than true theatre.
I saw the original 42nd Street on Broadway and thought it was great fun. This summer I saw the new revival and was overwhelmed. If you get off on seeing about 64 perfectly synchronized tapping feet (mirrored to look like even more), splashy sets and costumes, and really good old fashioned musical fun -- I'd say it is your best bet.